Method of making lampshade

ABSTRACT

A decorative tiffany-style lampshade and method of fabricating the same. The lampshade includes a central mounting ring having a plurality of angularly spaced spokes extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom in generally radial directions. The spokes are bent at predetermined locations therealong so as to define a plurality of successive sections angularly oriented with respect to the plane of the mounting ring at progressively greater angles. The spokes are integral from end-to-end thereof, and the angularly disposed sections define tiers each of which includes a plurality of colored light-transmitting panels disposed between adjacent spokes and confined in place by tier braces disposed intermediate adjacent spokes along the outer edges of the panels. The mounting ring, spokes, and braces are all lead cames defining channels that seat the adjacent edge portions of the respectively associated panels therein. The method of fabricating the lampshade involves the provision of linear or indirectional components including the mounting ring, spokes, and braces. The spokes are secured to the straightline mounting ring at spaced apart locations therealong so as to extend outwardly therefrom in generally parallel relation. A group of wedge-shaped first-tier panels are inserted one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames to displace each adjacent pair thereof angularly with respect to each other, and, at the same time to shape or form the mounting ring into a generally annular configuration with the end portions thereof adjacent each other. Such end portions of the mounting ring are secured to each other and to the associated spoke came, and the groups of panels for the second and subsequent tiers together with the second and subsequent tier came braces are respectively positioned in functional associated with the spoke cames, and the braces are secured thereto. with the spoke canes, and the braces are secured thereto.

Kirth 111. 3,810,295 451 May 14, 1974 METHOD OF MAKING LAMPSHADE Grainger Dan Kirth,.40896 Chiltern Dr., Fremont, Calif. 94538 22 Filed: Aug. 17, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 281,537

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl 29/445, 29/471.1, 240/108 R [51] Int. Cl 1323p 9/00 [58] Field of Search 29/445, 471.1; 240/108 R, 240/100 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,463,722 7/1923 OBoyle 240/l08 R X 1,565,973 12/1925 Sutter 240/108 R 2,794,116 5/1957 Faust 1 240/108 R 3,165,827 1/1965 Stallman... 29/445 3,525,142 8/1970 Osborne 29/445 FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 20,259 11/1934 Australia 240/108 R 563,294 8/1944 Great Britain 240/108 R Primary ExaminerCharlie T. Moon Attorney, Agent, or Firm.loseph B. Gardner, Esq.

[57] ABSTRACT A decorative tiffany-style lampshade and method of fabricating the same. The lampshade includes a cenoriented with respect to the plane of the mounting ring at progressively greater angles. The spokes are integral from end-to-endthereof, and the angularly disposed sections define tiers each of which includes a plurality of colored light-transmitting panels disposed between adjacent spokes and confined in place by tier braces disposed intermediate adjacent spokes along the outer edges of the panels. The mounting ring, spokes, and braces are all lead cames defining channels that seat the adjacent edge portions of the respectively associated panels therein.

The method of fabricating the lampshade involves the provision of linear or indirectional components including the mounting ring, spokes, and braces. The spokes are secured to the straight-line mounting ring at spaced apart locations therealong so as to extend outwardly therefrom in generally parallel relation. A group of wedge-shaped first-tier panels are inserted one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames to displace each adjacent pair thereof angularly with respect to each other, and, at the same time to shape or form the mounting ring into a generally annular configuration with the end portions thereof adjacent each other. Such end portions of the mounting ring are secured to each other and to the associated spoke came, and the groups of panels for the second and subsequent tiers together with the second and subsequent tier came braces are respectively positioned in functional associated with the spoke cames, and the braces are secured thereto. with the spoke canes, and the braces are secured thereto.

5 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PAVE m m1 4 I974 SHEET 3 [IF 3 METHOD OF MAKING LAMPSIIADE This invention relates to decorative articles such as lampshades and the like; and it relates more particularly to a tiffany-style lampshade and to a method of making the same.

Decorative lampshades have become very popular in recent years, and especially tiffany-style lampshades comprising lead or simulated lead cames and colored light-transmitting panels either supported thereby or supported in association therewith. When having an appealing design configuration and constructed with excellent craftsmanship, such lampshades are aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, but lampshades having these requisites are very expensive and cannot be enjoyed by those unable to afford luxury type items. As a consequence, assembly kits have been offered for sale that purport to enable the home handyman to construct a tiffany-style lamp, but for the most part, the end result or lampshade fabricated therefrom is very unsatisfactory because the quality of the product is dependent upon the skills and assembly technique of the individual which, as a general rule, is not satisfactory.

In view of the foregoing, a general object of the present invention is to provide an improved tiffany-style lampshade or the like, and to provide an improved method of making the same.

Further objects, among others, of the present invention are in the provision of an improved lampshade product and method of fabricating the same in which the lampshade is structurally strong, dimensionally stable, and aesthetically appealing; in which such product comprises a limited number of basic components including both tension and compression elements, the former of which are in the nature of spoke cames that are integral from end-to-end thereof and the latter of which are relatively short elements interposed at spaced apart locations between successively adjacent spoke cames; in which the method of fabricating the lampshade uses as the starting components generally unidirectional or straight-line components which are secured one to another and result in an automatic shaping of the lampshade as a function of the assemblyprocess so that the aesthetic appearance of the lampshade is not dependent upon the abilities and skills of the fabricator nor upon his artistic conceptions; and in which the assembly is-conveniently and easily effected using only the hands and simple tools such as a soldering iron to join adjacent lead cames one to another.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention, especially as concerns particular features and characteristics thereof, will become apparent as the specification continues. 1

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is. a side in elevation of a completed lamp shade embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged tranverse sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a broken top plane view illustrating one each of the components comprised in the lampshade shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of one group of components illustrating the interconnection thereof as the first step in the method of making the lampshade shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 6 is a broken top plane view depicting certain of the steps of the fabrication method;

FIG. 7 is essentially a transverse sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 1, and illustrating a subsequent step in the fabrication method;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lampshade at an intermediate stage in the fabrication process;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are respectively side views in elevation depicting a sequence of subsequent steps in the fabrication of the lampshade product; and

FIG. 11 is a broken top plane view of the completed lampshade product.

As illustrated best in FIGS. 1 and 11, the completed lampshade product, which is denoted in its entirety with the numeral 15, is a tiffany style shade. In the specific form shown, it is intended for use as a hanging or suspending shade, and in this environment it ordinarily will be equipped with a crown (not shown) adjacent the upper end thereof by means of which it is secured to a chain or other support therefor. Such crowns are standard or conventional items and form no part of the present invention. It should be noted, however, that a lampshade embodying the present invention can also be provided for table and floor lamps, and the shade can be used in substantially any situation in which lampshades are presently used.

The lampshade 15 in the particular form shown comprises a plurality of tiers, there being three such tiers in the lampshade l5 and they are respectively denoted with the numerals l6, l7, and 18. Lampshades em bodying the present invention may be provided with any suitable number of tiers both less than and exceeding the three-tier shade illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, the size of the lampshade may vary considerably both in terms of its various diameters and in terms of the height thereof. Analogously the height of the various tiers or lengths thereof may vary from shade to shade depending upon the particular aesthetic results desired. The precise configurations of the various colored lighttransmitting panels (to be described in detail hereinafter) may vary considerably in accordance with the sizes of the lampshades, the number of tiers thereof, and the precise geometric configurations desired for each such panel.

The lampshade 15 includes as part of the structural assemblage thereof a mounting member 19 which, in the particular form shown, is a perimetric member of generally annular ring-like configuration defining a relatively large opening 20 therethrough, as is most evidentin FIGS. 7 and 8. In still more particular terms, the mounting member 19 is a generally U-shaped came (see FIG. 3), and it is bendable so that it can be changed from a unidirectional or straight component into the closed ring-like structure described. In this respect, the mounting member came 19 may be lead, and the end portions 21 and 22 thereof are soldered or otherwise interconnected one to the other, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Secured to the mounting member 19 are a plurality of spaced apart spokes 23 that extend outwardly from the mounting member and also downwardly therefrom. The spokes 23 are substantially identical, totaling 18 in the particular lampshade 15, and they extend continuously or integrally from top to bottom of the lampshade, as is most apparent in FIGS. 8 through 10. The

spokes 23 are bendable, generally I-shaped cames (see FIG. 2), and they may be formed from lead. The spokes 23 are spaced apart along the mounting member 19, and they are radially disposed and are separated one from the other by substantially equal angular distances.

The came spokes 23 define therealong a plurality of successive sections respectively corresponding to the aforementioned tiers l6, l7, and 18, and such sections are angularly oriented with respect to the plane of the mounting member 19 at progressively greater angles. For purposes hereof, the plane defined by the mounting member 19 may be assumed to be substantially horizontal, and the angle formed therewith by the section of each spoke 23 forming the tier 16 causes such tier to have a generally frusto-conical configuration. Similarly, the sections of the spokes 23 forming the next successive tier 17 also cause the latter to have a generally frusto-conical configuration but the angular inclination thereof relative to the aforementioned plane is greater than that of the tier 16 (i.e., the angle of the tier 17 is more nearly vertical than that of the tier 16). The sections of the spokes 23 forming the tier 18 cause the tier to be generally normal (i.e., substantially vertical) with reference to the plane of the mounting member 19. Thus each successive tier l6, l7 and 18 and the sections of the spokes 23 respectively corresponding thereto form progressively greater angles relative to the horizontal plane established by the mounting member 19, as is evident in both FIGS. 1 and 3.

The lampshade further includes a plurality of groups of tier braces respectively associated with said tiers 16, 17 and 18 and with the various sections of the spokes 23 forming such tiers. Each such group of tier braces includes a plurality of substantially similar braces respectively secured to the spokes 23 adjacent the outer end portions of the associated tier sections defined thereby so that each tier comprises a plurality of substantially closed geometric figures. In the lampshade 15, there are three such groups of tier braces, and such groups respectively include a plurality of braces 24, 25, and 26. As is evident in FIGS. 1, 4, and 10, the braces 24, 25 and 26 progressively increase in length. The braces 24 and 25 are each l-shaped cames (see FIG. 3), and the brace 26 is a generally U-shaped came, as illustrated best in this same Figure.

The came brace 26 is bendable so that it can be shaped from a straight line or unidirectional component into the generally annular or, more precisely, multisided or polygonal configuration of the tier 18 (as shown best in FIG. 11) since each brace 26 spans the center-to-center distance between three successive spokes 23. It should be noted, however, that the braces 26 may have any desired length and could constitute one continuous member extending entirely about the tier 18 to define the lower extremity thereof. Further, although the tier braces 26 are shown to be substantially straight along the lower edges thereof, as illustrated in both FIGS. 1 and 3, they may be scalloped or otherwise configurated so as to lend further aesthetic contribution to the overall appearance of the lampshade. As a matter of preference and convenience, the tier braces 24 and 25 as well as the tier braces 26 may be formed of lead.

FIG. 4 not only illustrates that the tier braces 24 and 25 are of different lengths because the lower termini of the tiers l6 and 17 with which they are respectively associated are of different lengths, but it also shows that the ends of the braces are angularly disposed so as to converge generally toward the geometric center defined along a vertical axis through the opening 20 of the lampshade. Such angular dispositions of the ends of the braces 24 and 25 conforms to the generally radial orientations of the spokes 23, but it should be observed that the spokes change in their relative orientations from tier-to-tier, diverging quite sharply along the tier l6 diverging less sharply along the tier l7, and being substantially parallel along the tier 18. Thus, in fabricating the lampshade 15 (as described in detail subsequently), each of the integral spokes 23 is bent not only transversely or along the plane of the web thereof to establish each successive tier, but it is also bent laterally or along the planes of its flanges so as to change the relative angles between successive spokes from different degrees of divergence through the tiers l6 and 17 to substantial parallelism through the tier 18.

The lampshade 15 also includes a plurality of groups of panels respectively associated with the tiers 16, 17 and 18, and each such group of panels includes a plurality of substantially similar panels that are respectively disposed in covering relation with the closed geometric figures of the associated tiers, and they are confined in position by any contiguous spokes 23, braces 24 through 26, and mounting member 19. In the lampshade 15, there are three groups of panels, and the panels constituting each group thereof are respectively denoted with the numerals 27, 28 and 29. Each of the panels is a decorative light-transmitting element that is usually colored so as to provide one or more tones or hues. In general terms, the panels are translucent, although they can be transparent or approximate transparency or may be so heavily colored as to be nearly opaque, and they can be fabricated from any suitable material including both glass and synthetic plastics, both of which are conventional commodities and are readily available.

Each of the panels 27, 28 and 29 is of polygonal configuration and, more specifically, is a four polygon. The panels 27 and 28 are trapezoidal, and each is a substantially symmetrical trapezoid about a longitudinal axis therethrough. The panels 29 are essentially rectangular and, in the form shown, are nearly square-shaped. Each of the panels 27 and 28 is wedge-shaped, and the panels 27 are nearly triangular since the upper edge thereof is very short. A substantially triangular configuration would result in a lampshade in which the spokes 23 are disposed in closer proximity (substantially contiguous relation) along the mounting member 19. The various panels 27, 28 and 29 are confined in their respective positions by having the edge portions thereof disposed within the bordering or facing channels defined by the adjacent cames, and which cames will depend upon the particular tier within which the panel is located, as is perhaps most apparent is FIG. 4.

In use, the lampshade 15 is supported along the mounting member 19, thereby resulting in spokes 23 being in tension which is readily accommodated because of their integrality from end-to-end thereof. The intermediate tier braces 24 and 25 and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the tier braces 26 are maintained in compression since they resist (either of themselves or in combination with the panels 27, 28 and 29) the tendency for the lampshade to collapse inwardly when supported along the mounting member 19. The short lengths of the braces readily accommodate such compressive forces.

In fabrication of the lampshade 15, the steps followed may commence using as the starting component the rectilinear structure illustrated in FIG. 5 which comprises the substantially straight, longitudinally extending mounting member 19 and the plurality of substantially straight, generally I-shaped spoke cames 23 fixedly secured to the mounting member and extending outwardly from the open side thereof in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel relation. However, the method may be initiated by fabrication of the component shown in FIG. 5, in which case the spoke cames 23 will be disposed in spaced apart, substantially parallel relation along the mounting member 19 and each secured to the latter by solder or other comparable means. The method next includes the step of providing a group of wedge-shaped first tier panels 27 and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames 23, as illustrated in FIG. 6, to displace each adjacent pair of spoke cames angularly with respect to each other to form a generally triangular (essentially trapezoidal, as previously explained) configuration th'erebetween with the apex thereof and inner end of the associated panel 27 adjacent the mounting member 19. Such insertion of any panel 27 between adjacent spoke cames 23 shapes the mounting member 19 into the generally annular form thereof with the end portions 21 and 22 of the mounting member disposed adjacent each other. It should be noted that during such insertion of successive panels 23 between adjacent cames 23, the entire structure remains substantially flat and, therefore, may be supported throughout its entire extent upon a table or other flat work surface. It will be observed in FIGS. 5 and 6 that the initial came 23 has the end portion 21 of the mounting member 19 terminating at substantially the center of the came. Thus, the end portions 21 and 22 of the mounting member 19 are joined along the center of the initial came 23, as is shown most clearly in FIG. 7.

Prior to soldering or otherwise joining the end portions 21 and 22 of the mounting member 19, the firsttier braces 24 are respectively inserted between successive pairs of cames 23, as shown in FIG. 6, and are moved into adjacency with the outer ends of the panels 27 to seat the ends of the panels within the channels of the brace cames. Following such insertion of the brace cames 24, they are soldered or otherwise secured to the respectively adjacent spoke cames 23 along the exposed upper surfaces thereof, as indicated at 30 in FIG. 6, and then the entire structure constituting the mounting member 19, spoke cames 23, panels 27, and brace cames 24 is inverted and the brace cames 24 are then soldered along their opposite faces to the respectively associated spoke cames 23. The last or final panel 27 is then inserted between the first and last spoke cames (respectively denoted with the numerals 23a and 23b in FIGS. 5 through 7 for specific identification) which necessarily causes the structure to assume the generally frusto-conical configuration depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. The end portions 21 and 22 of the mounting member 19 are then soldered to each other and to the associated spoke came 23a, and in the event that the mounting member 19 may be too long adjacent the end portion 22 thereof, it is simply cut off to the proper length to cause both the final panel 27 and final brace 24 to fit properly.

Depending upon the orientation of the structure at this time, it is either supported upon a work surface with the mounting member 19 in engagement thereof, as shown in FIGS. 7 through 10, or it is positioned so as to have such orientation. Next, the panels 28 are inserted one after another between adjacent pairs of spoke cames 23, as shown in FIG. 9, and such insertion requires that the spoke cames be bent inwardly or transversely and also laterally or toward each other to cause the same to fit snugly with the panel 28 inserted therebetween. Following such insertion of the panels 28, the second-tier brace cames 25 are respectively inserted between adjacent spoke cames 23 and are brought into engagement with the outer edges of the panels 28, as shown in FIG. 9. The brace cames 25 are then soldered or otherwise fixedly secured to the spoke cames 23 respectively associated therewith along both the inner and outer surfaces of the cames, as shown at 31 in FIGS. 9 and 10. The requirement for bending each spoke came 23 to conform the same to the dimensional requirements of the panels 28 and braces 25 is illustrated by arrow-equipped lines in FIG. 9.

Thereafter, the panels 29 are inserted one-by-one between successive pairs of spoke cames 23, as depicted in FIG. 10, and as with the prior-described panels 28, the spoke cames 23 must be bent inwardly or transversely and also toward each other or laterally to make the same conform to the dimensional requirements of the panels 29. Such bending of the spoke cames is depicted in FIG. 10 with the arrow-equipped lines associated therewith. Thereafter, the third-tier brace cames or trim 26 are placed over the outer edge portions of the panels 29, as shown in FIG. 10, and they are bent as necessary to permit the open channels of the cames to align with and accept the edges of the panels. Advantageously, the cames 26 are positioned so that the ends thereof are generally centered with respect to the spoke cames 23 along which they terminate, thereby making both a stronger structure and one having better eye appeal. Following such positioning of the third-tier brace cames 26, they are soldered or otherwise secured one to another and to the spoke cames 23 along both the inner and outer surfaces thereof. The lampshade 15 is thereby completed and is ready for use, a crown (not shown) being usually secured to the mounting member 19, as previously explained.

The various components or elements of the lampshade 15, which elements are for the most part shown in FIG. 4, are accurately dimensioned so that the size, shape, and ornamental configuration of the lampshade is automatically determined and provided as the lampshade is assembled by following the prior-described steps. Accordingly, anyone having ordinary physical dexterity can fabricate the lampshade by following the described assembly steps. Thus, the components can be sold or otherwise provided in the numbers and dimensions necessary for a complete lampshade, and in this respect, it is often advantageous to provide the rectilinear structure shown in FIG. 5 constituting the assembled or interconnected mounting member 19 and spoke cames 23 so that the spacing between adjacent spoke cames can be accurately provided since such spacing essentially determines the assembly steps that follow for any given dimensions and configurations of the various panels 27 through 29 and brace cames 24 and 25.

While in the foregoing specification an embodiment of the invention has been set forth in terms of product, method, and combination of elements, all in considerable detail for making a complete disclosure of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a method of making a lampshade or the like using as the starting component a rectilinear structure comprising a substantially straight longitudinally extending mounting member having a plurality of substantially straight generally l-shaped spoke cames fixedly secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel relation, the steps of: providing a group of wedge-shaped first-tier panels comprising a plurality of substantially similar panels and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames to displace each adjacent pair thereof angularly with respect to each other to form a generally triangular configuration therebetween with the apex thereof and inner end of the panel adjacent said mounting member and to shape the latter into a generally annular form with the end portions thereof adjacent each other; securing such adjacent end portions to each other; and interconnecting said spoke cames along the outer ends of said panels with a plurality of braces to close the respectively associated triangular configurations.

2. The method of claim 1 including the further steps of providing a group of second-tier panels comprising a plurality of substantially similar panels and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames and at the same time bending the latter both transversely and laterally to seat the edge portions of each second-tier panel within the facing channels of the bordering spoke cames; and interconnecting said spoke cames along the outer ends of said second-tier panels with a plurality of second-tier braces to close the perimetric border along each of said second-tier panels.

3. The method of claim 2 including the further steps of providing a group of third-tier panels comprising a plurality of substantially similar panels and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames and at the same time bending the cames transversely to seat the edge portions of each third-tier panel within the facing channels of the border spoke cames; and interconnecting said spoke cames along the outer ends of said third-tier panels with a plurality of third-tier braces to complete the perimetric border about each of said third-tier panels.

4. The method of claim 3 including the further steps of providing a substantially straight longitudinally extending mounting member and a plurality of substantially straight generally l-shaped spoke cames; and securing said l-shaped spoke cames to said mounting member in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel relation therealong to provide the aforesaid rectilinear structure.

5. The method of claim 1 including the further steps of providing a substantially straight longitudinally extending mounting member and a plurality of substantially straight generally l-shaped spoke cames; and securing said l-shaped spoke cames to said mounting member in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel relation therealong to provide the aforesaid rectilinear structure. 

1. In a method of making a lampshade or the like using as the starting component a rectilinear structure comprising a substantially straight longitudinally extending mounting member having a plurality of substantially straight generally I-shaped spoke cames fixedly secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel Relation, the steps of: providing a group of wedge-shaped firsttier panels comprising a plurality of substantially similar panels and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames to displace each adjacent pair thereof angularly with respect to each other to form a generally triangular configuration therebetween with the apex thereof and inner end of the panel adjacent said mounting member and to shape the latter into a generally annular form with the end portions thereof adjacent each other; securing such adjacent end portions to each other; and interconnecting said spoke cames along the outer ends of said panels with a plurality of braces to close the respectively associated triangular configurations.
 2. The method of claim 1 including the further steps of providing a group of second-tier panels comprising a plurality of substantially similar panels and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames and at the same time bending the latter both transversely and laterally to seat the edge portions of each second-tier panel within the facing channels of the bordering spoke cames; and interconnecting said spoke cames along the outer ends of said second-tier panels with a plurality of second-tier braces to close the perimetric border along each of said second-tier panels.
 3. The method of claim 2 including the further steps of providing a group of third-tier panels comprising a plurality of substantially similar panels and inserting the same one-by-one between successively adjacent spoke cames and at the same time bending the cames transversely to seat the edge portions of each third-tier panel within the facing channels of the border spoke cames; and interconnecting said spoke cames along the outer ends of said third-tier panels with a plurality of third-tier braces to complete the perimetric border about each of said third-tier panels.
 4. The method of claim 3 including the further steps of providing a substantially straight longitudinally extending mounting member and a plurality of substantially straight generally I-shaped spoke cames; and securing said I-shaped spoke cames to said mounting member in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel relation therealong to provide the aforesaid rectilinear structure.
 5. The method of claim 1 including the further steps of providing a substantially straight longitudinally extending mounting member and a plurality of substantially straight generally I-shaped spoke cames; and securing said I-shaped spoke cames to said mounting member in longitudinally spaced substantially parallel relation therealong to provide the aforesaid rectilinear structure. 